By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shiites, has called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate and prosecute former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai for alleged genocide and crimes against humanity targeting the movement’s members.
The petition, submitted through their lawyer Bala I. Dakum, was delivered to the office of the ICC Prosecutor and demands urgent action in the wake of years of violence directed at the Shiite community.
The petition references the 2015 Zaria massacre, in which over 1,000 members of the sect were killed by the Nigerian Army, as the starting point for a series of violent attacks on the movement.
IMN claims that El-Rufai has been responsible for a continued campaign of violence, which has led to the deaths of at least 55 more Shiites in Kaduna State alone, all while exercising their constitutional rights to freedom of worship, assembly, and expression.
The movement describes El-Rufai’s actions as part of a deliberate effort to exterminate Shiites, particularly in Kaduna State, where their leader, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, is based.
The petition calls for an extension of the investigation to include other officials who may have aided El-Rufai in committing these alleged crimes, including past commissioners of police in the state and former Chief of Staff Gen. Yusuf Tukur Buratai.
IMN also expressed concern over potential future attacks, fearing that without ICC intervention, the incoming administration may enable El-Rufai’s violent actions against them to escalate.
They urge the ICC to use its authority to initiate a preliminary investigation under Article 15 of the Rome Statute, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent further violence and ensure justice for the victims of these alleged atrocities.
The petition also highlights the government’s failure to prosecute those involved in the Zaria massacre, with military officers involved in the killings reportedly being rewarded with ambassadorial positions instead of facing legal action.
IMN is calling for immediate action to hold El-Rufai accountable and prevent further escalation of violence against the Shiite community in Nigeria.